Strand handling apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for drawing strands such as tubing, rod or wire, in which the strand is drawn from a source such as a coil through a die onto a capstan or drum rotatable about a generally vertical axis and having a free lower end, on which capstan turns of strand are wound and over the free end of which the turns drop onto a receiving tray that rotates at essentially the same speed as the capstan and forms the dropped turns into a coil. The tray has inner and outer upstanding guard means that define between them a generally annular channel in which the coil is formed. The tray in receiving position is located at the free end of the capstan so its inner guard means is in close proximity to and under the free end of the capstan and its outer guard means is radially spaced outwardly from the capstan and cooperates with guard means surrounding the capstan and independent of the tray to provide a protected generally annular zone through which the strand drops into the channel of the tray. After the coil is formed, the tray may be lowered to clear the capstan and moved laterally to a position where coil can be removed.

United States Patent [72] Inventor James W.Schuetz Pittsburgh, Pa.

[21] Appl. No. 769,690

[22] Filed Oct. 22, 1968 [45] Patented Feb. 9, 1971 [73] AssigneeBIaw-Knox Company Pittsburgh, Pa.

a corporation of Delaware [54] STRAND HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Claims, 21Drawing Figs.

lilting Noon:

Primary ExaminerNathan L. Mintz Attorney-Bosworth, Sessions, Herrstrom &Cain ABSTRACT: Apparatus for drawing strands such as tubing, rod orwire, in which the strand is drawn from a source such as a coil througha die onto a capstan or drum rotatable about a generally vertical axisand having a free lower end, on which capstan turns of strand are woundand over the free end of which the turns drop onto a receiving tray thatrotates at essentially the same speed as the capstan and forms thedropped turns into a coil. The tray has inner and outer upstanding guardmeans that define between them a generally annular channel in which thecoil is formed. The tray in receiving position is located at the freeend of the capstan so its inner guard means is in close proximity to andunder the free end of the capstan and its outer guard means is radiallyspaced outwardly from the capstan and cooperates with guard meanssurrounding the capstan and independent of the tray to provide aprotected generally annular zone through which the strand drops into thechannel of the tray. After the coil is formed, the tray may be loweredto clear the capstan and moved laterally to a position where coil can beremoved.

PATENTED FEB 9 m SHEET 01 OF '13 lllll IHI II INVENTOR JAMES W. SCHUETZTTORNEYS PATENTEU FEB 9191: 3.561.694

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ATTORNEYS PATENIEVD'FEB 9197: 3.5 1.694 sum 12oF 13 INVENTOR JAMES W.SCHUETZ BM; J/aufiwn 8 6m ATTORNEYS STRAND HANDLING APPARATUS CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related tocopending applications Ser. No. 769,568 of applicant and Edward l.Taylor, and Ser. No. 769,577 of Albert E. Tommarello and Bengt H.Soderquist, both filed on the same date as this application.

I. Field of the Invention This invention relates to continuous stranddrawing apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus in whichrelatively stiff strands such as long lengths of metal tubing, rod orwire are drawn through a die by a capstan or drum after which the strandis discharged from the capstan to a receiving tray below the capstan.

2. Description of Prior Art One type of widely used prior apparatuscomprises a capstan mounted from one end for rotation about a verticalaxis and having its other end lower and free. As the capstan rotates,the strand passes from a suitable source such as a payoff coil or reelthrough a drawing die to the capstan on which the strand is wound forseveral turns for traction; the turns of strand move axially of thecapstan and discharge over its free end. Since the capstan usuallyrotates at high speed, means must be provided to catch the turns ofdrawn strand that discharge from the free end of the capstan, collectthem in a coil, and permit ready removal of the coil.

One such commonly used means comprises an annular basket positionedbelow the capstan, which basket is rotated at approximately the capstanspeed. After the basket is filled with a coil of drawn strand, it isthen moved laterally to the payoff position of the apparatus to locatethe coil for subsequent redrawing passes. This type of prior apparatushas disadvantages because a large number of these baskets must be usedin the drawing process at any given time, with resulting considerableinvestments in baskets, handling equipment, and considerable plantspace.

Another means that has been used tocollect drawn strands is a receivingtray having a circumferential wall, that performs the same generalfunction as the basket mentioned above, except that the central portionof the receiving tray is retractable into its bottom and a door isprovided in the outer wall of the basket to permit withdrawal of thecoil laterally from the basket. This apparatus is quite complex andexpensive and subject to the possibility that the door mightaccidentally open when the receiving tray is rotating at high-speed,causing danger to employees and damage to the strand or equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention overcomes these and otherdisadvantages of prior apparatus, and provides apparatus making itpossible for strand turns discharged over the free end of the capstan ordrum to be readily, safely, and rapidly collected in a coil that can bereadily and rapidly removed, all with safety to employees and no damageto the strand or equipment, this even though the strand is of relativelylarge diameter and considerable stiffness so it is difficult to handleand collect.

Apparatus embodying the invention may include a capstan or drum mountedfrom one end only for rotation about a generally vertical axis with itsfree end extending downwardly. The capstan has a periphery on whichturns of strand are wound after the strand is pulled by the rotatingcapstan through a drawing die from a suitable source. The capstan isadapted to discharge turns of strand over the capstan free end. Meansare provided for collecting the discharged turns of strand in the formof a coil, comprising a receiving tray, mounted below the capstan, thatis movable from a lower position to an upper position in which itrotates essentially at the same speed of the capstan to receive thestrand turns dropped from the capstan. The tray has peripheral outerguard means and inner guard means spaced radially inwardly from theouter guard means so that the guard means defines a generally annularchannel in which turns of strand discharged from the capstan becollected in a coil. During drawing, the tray is sup ported in its upperposition below the free end of the drum so that its inner guard means isin close proximity to and below the free end of the drum and its outerguard means is spaced radially from the periphery ofthe drum. Theapparatus also includes guard means surrounding the drum independentlyof the guard means on the tray, the independent guard means and the traydefining an essentially continuous wall in the vicinity of and below thefree end of the drum. The outer guard means is so related to theindependent guard means, and the inner guard means is so related to thefree end of the capstan, that they form a protected generally annularzone through which the strand can drop into the annular channel of thetray to form a coil without entangling or snagging any part of theapparatus, without damage to the strand and without danger to employeesor equipment. After the coil is formed the tray is preferably lowered toclear the capstan and moved laterally to a position where the coil canbe unloaded.

An object of the invention is the provision of such apparatus and suchtrays.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects, advantages and features ofthe invention will become apparent from the following description ofpreferred forms of the invention in connection wit the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. I is a front elevation of one form of apparatus as a whole,embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan ofthe apparatus of FIG. I to the same scale;

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view to a larger scale. along line 3-3of FIG. 4, showing in plan the capstan and associated apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the portions of the apparatus in FIG. 3 and tothe same scale, along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. the receiving tray being shownas the first turns of strand are discharged into the tray after thestrand is released from the gripper;

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation of the strand payoff means at the rightof the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 and to a larger scale, along line 5-5of FIG 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section, along line 6-6 of FIG. I but to anenlarged scale, showing one of the payoff trays with its drive means inits lowermost disengaged position;

FIG. 7 is a plan from line 7-7 of FIG. 6',

FIG. 8 is an enlargement of the strand receiving means disposed belowand to the left of the capstan in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 9 is a section along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 but to a larger scale;

FIG. 10 is a section along line 10-10 of FIG. 1 showing one of thereceiving trays embodying the invention below the capstan instrand-receiving position in full lines, and in its lowered position inbroken lines, and also in broken lines showing a receiving tray tiltedupright in unloading position to permit ready removal ofa coil ofdrawnstrand;

FIGS. 11 to 18 inclusive illustrate operations performed by theillustrated apparatus;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation of apparatus embodying a modification ofthe invention, in which the stationary guard carries a rotatable guardthat is engaged and rotated by the receiving tray when in its elevatedposition, these parts being shown in section;

FIG. 20 is a detail section to an enlarged scale ofthe rotatable guardof FIG. 19 showing how it is supported from the stationary guard andengaged by the elevated receiving tray; and

FIG. 21 is a detail section LU the same enlarged scale as and generallycorresponding to FIG. 20, showing the rotating guard and the stationaryguard when the receiving tray is lowered.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT General Arrangement Theillustrated apparatus (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4) comprises a base 1supporting a power-rotated capstan or drum 2 for rotation about anupright, preferably vertical axis A at automatically controlled speedsand cycles of starting and stopping. A strand S to be drawn passes tothe capstan from a coil C, in one of the payoff trays 3a, 3b, that whenin payoff position is supported and rotated about an upright preferablyvertical axis to permit strand to unwind from the coil.

Below the capstan there is located one of receiving trays 4a, 4bembodying the invention. When in receiving position this receiving traycan be raised to the position shown in full lines in FIGS. 1 and 4 andlowered to positions shown in broken lines in FIG. and in full lines inother FIGS.

Die means 5 for reducing the cross section of the strand is movable onguide means 6 of base 1 in an upright path, preferably parallel to axisA. The capstan is positively rotated as required by electrical motor 7through transmission 8.

Turns T are wound on the capstan in number to cause the strand S toengage the capstan with sufficient friction to prevent slippage as thestrand is drawn through die means 5. A gripper 9 (FIGS. 3,4) is mountedon the capstan to hold temporarily the leading end of the strand 5,after it is passed through the die means, as the capstan is initiallyrotated.

When the gripper first grasps-the leading end of the strand, the diemeans is in its lowermost position and the strand moves from the diemeans to the capstan in a straight path substantially normal to thecapstan axis A. The die means then moves rapidly upwardly in its uprightpath while the drum is rotated a predetermined number of turns at apredetermined speed, controlled by suitable means, to cause apredetermined number of widely spaced turns of strand to wind initiallyin a single layer on the capstan. The die means is then in its uppermostposition and the strand leaving the die means travels to the capstan ina straight path lying essentially in a plane normal to the capstan axisA.

Turns of strand thereafter winding on the capstan are moved toward itsfree end in a single layer by a plow 11 mounted to rotate with and aboutthe capstan in a plane at a suitable angle other than normal to capstanaxis A.

Holddown means 12 (FIGS. 1-4) is provided to be movable from a retractedposition to one where it holds the turns of strand on the capstan afterthe strand is released from the gripper. A stationary guard 13substantially surrounds the capstan and is supported from base 1.

Tray 4a in receiving position is raised and rotated by driving means 14to receive first the released end of the strand, and then to receive andform into a coil the turns of strand discharged over the free end of thecapstan. The tray has inner guard means 15 and outer guard means 16 andbottom 17. When the receiving tray is in its upper coil formingposition, its outer guard means cooperates with the stationary guard andits inner guard means to define a generally annular zone through whichthe strand turns can pass from the capstan and form into a coil in thegenerally annular channel 18 defined by guard means 15 and 16 and bottom17 of the tray.

As the capstan rotates, strand is drawn by the capstan through the diemeans from the coil-containing tray or 312 in the payoff position, andis level wound on the capstan in a single layer of abutting turns thatmove axially of the capstan and discharge over its free end with channel18 of the receiving tray to form a coil. After a desired coil has beenbuilt in the receiving tray, usually by using the entire length ofstrand in the payoff tray, rotation of the capstan and receiving tray ishalted and the receiving tray carrying the coil of drawn strand is thenlowered to its lowermost position onto member 19, where it clears thecapstan.

Both receiving trays 4a and 4b are adapted to be supported on a member19 rotatable about an upright and preferably vertical axis X to transferthe coilcontaining receiving tray laterally away from under the capstanto a POSI where it can be unloaded. In this position, it is then tiltedin am essentially upright position (FIGS. 1,2, I0) by tilting means 2t.

The drawn coil in such tray is then connected to known means 22 (FIGS.1, 2, 10, I8) of an overhead conveyor 23." moved laterally out of thetray, and transported by the conveyor to a payoff tray 3b that is tiltedupwardly by tilting means 24, to receive the coil laterally therein. Thetray is then moved downwardly to a horizontal position by means 24 andplaced on a transfer support 25 rotatable about upright preferablyvertical axis Y The tray containing the coil can. at a suitable time, betransferred to the payoff position by sup port 25, and while in suchposition is adapted to be lifted and rotated by a driving means 26 topermit payoff of the strand as it is drawn after having beenpointedpassed through the die means and grasped by the gripper as describedabove; the cycle may be repeated as often as desired, with suitablechanges of dies and other compensations for reduced strand size.

Die Means and Guide Means As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10, die means 5comprises a conventional holder 27 that carries adjustable straighteningrolls 28 and a die box 29 holding a changeable draw die 30. Holder 27 ismounted on a member 32 that can travel on guide means 6 in a pathparallel to axis A of the capstan. In initial winding of the strand onthe capstan, member 32 is moved upwardly by cylinder 33 (FIG. 10) at theproper rapid speed as the capstan rotates to level wind the strand onthe capstan in the desired widely spaced turns. Cylinder 33 iscontrolled by conventional means.

Capstan and Associated Mechanism As shown in FIGS. l4, the capstan 2 isfixed on'a shaft 34 journaled in transmission 8, and comprises a hub 35mounted on the shaft, one or more radial walls 36 rigidly fixed to'thehub, and a generally cylindrical outer wall 37 fixed to wall 36.

Gripper 9 is known and comprises a member 38 pivotally mounted in thecapstan and a member 39 pivotally mounted on member 38. Member 39carries movable gripper jaws 40 suitably actuated by known means to gripthe leading end of the strand as required. As shown in broken lines inFIG. 3, member 38 can swing to position 38 limited by stops 42, 43,where it projects beyond wall 37; and member 39 can swing to position 39relative to member 38, limited by stops 44, 45; tension spring 39abiases member 39 to its straight position.

Latch means 46 (FIG. 3) of known construction, mounted in the capstanand operating between the gripper member 39 and the capstan, normallyholds member 39 and its supporting member 38 in their innermostpositions; the latch means is actuated to release the gripper whendesired. When released. gripper members 38 and 39 may be pushed to theirextended positions by fluid cylinder 47 controlled by conventionalmeans.

A strand severing means 48 (FIGS 3 and 4) is provided in the capstan tosever the strand end in. the gripper from the remainder of the strandwhen the strand is to be released. Means 48, which is known, comprisesnormally open cutting blades 49 between which the strand extends. At theappropriate time these blades are caused to cut the strand by suitablelinkage actuated by fluid cylinder 50 controlled by suitable knownmeans.

Strand holddown means 12, located at the front of the capstan in FIGS. 1and 2, comprises two elongated snubber rollers 52, (FIGS. 3 and 4) eachsurfaced with rubber or other resilient material. Each roller is longenough to extend over substantially the entire length of the capstancovered by abutting turns T. Each roller is mounted for rotation aboutan axis parallel to the capstan axis on a bracket 53 pivotally mountedon an arm 54 that itself is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel tothe capstan axis on a support carried by base 1. Arm 54 can be moved atappropriate times between positions where the rollers engage the strandturns on the capstan I and where they can clear such turns, by a fluidcylinder 56 actuated and controlled by suitable conventional means.Snubber rollers 52 are positively rotated by their gears 57 that engageintermediate gear 58 driven by pulleys 59 and belt 61 from a shaft 62rotated by pulleys 63 and belt 64 through gears 65, 66 from a gear 67mounted on the capstan drive shaft. The gears and pulleys are selectedto provide the proper circumferential speed of the snubber rollsrelative to the circumferential speed of the strand turns on thecapstan.

The rotating plow 11 (FIGS. 1 and 4) comprises a continuous annular plowring 68 supported outside of and around the upper portion of the capstanby a radial member 69 rotatably mounted on a hub 71 by bearing means 72so that member 69 and ring 68 rotate about an axis inclined to the axisA of the capstan. Ring 68 and member 69 are caused to rotate with thecapstan by a pin 73 in the capstan and projecting into an opening 74 inmember 69. The ring 68 therefore rotates in a fixed plane that isinclined to the axis of rotation of the capstan, the position,direction, and degree of inclination being such that when the strand Spasses from the die means 5 to the capstan in a plane normal to thecapstan axis A, the first turn of strand winding on the capstan clearsthe plow ring at the location where the strand first contacts thecapstan and thereafter is engaged by the plow ring and is pushed axiallyof the capstan toward its free end. Each turn also pushes the nextadjacent previously applied turn and so on, so that turns are levelwound in a single layer and moved axially of the capstan as it rotates,and eventually discharged from over the free end of the capstan.

Stationary guard 13 has a generally cylindrical inside surface and issupported by base 1. This guard is suitably apertured to clear the diemeans and holddown means and their supports. The guard is spacedradially from the capstan by substantial distance and substantiallysurrounds the portion of the capstan that carries turns; the guard alsoextends below the path of the strand passing to the gripper and belowthe free end of the capstan.

Payoff Means The payoff means (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) comprises astationary support 75 carrying generally horizontal member 25 forrotation about axis Y to transfer a tray 3a or 3b into the payoffposition occupied by tray 3a and to move the other tray into loadingposition occupied by tray 3b in FIGS. 1 and 2. Member 25 is rotated thusbe gear 76 driven by gears 77 powered by motors 78 (FIGS. 1,5).

Trays 3a, 3b are identical, each comprising (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6) a base 79having a axial hub 81 with a central opening 82. The base rigidlycarries inner upstanding posts 83 and radially spaced outer upstandingposts 84, between which are fixed smooth surfaced walls 85, 86 andbottom 87, defining an open topped generally annular channel 88. Acurved member 89 at the outer edge of outer wall 85 reinforces the trayand prevents damage to strand contacting the edge. Base 79 carries adriving pin 90 for limited slidable movement parallel to the tray axis;the pin being gravity biased downwardly when the tray is horizontal.More than the two payoff trays shown associated with member 25 may beused if desired. Member 25 has opened ended apertures 91 extendingbeneath the tray.

Drive means 26 for lifting the tray in the payoff position from themember 25 and positively rotating it during payoff of strand from thetray includes (FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7) guide brackets 92 that support forupright and preferably vertical movement member 93 movable between upperand lower positions by the piston rod of fluid cylinder 94conventionally controlled and actuated. A latch 95, moved by fluidpiston 96, engages under keeper 97 to lock member 93 in the upperposition when desired. Member 93 supports a drive head 98 for rotationabout an axis that essentially coincides with the axis of the tray whenin the payoff position. Head 98 includes a horizontal base 99 having anupper high friction surface that can engage and support base 79 of thetray, an upward hub 100 having a lower cylindrical surface that closelyfits opening 82 in the tray hub and a tapered end portion that aids inguiding hub 100 into such opening. Base 99 has openings 101 to engagethe tray pin 90. Head 98 is journaled in gear box 102 on member 93 androtated by electric motor 103 energized and controlled by suitableconventional means.

When a payoff tray is in payoff position on member 25 and strand payoffis to begin, member 25 is raised until its head 98 extend throughassociated opening 91 of member 25 to cm gage the tray hub and lift thetray from the member 25 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The head is then rotated tocause pin 90 to drop into an opening 101 in head 98 to aid in positivelyrotating the tray. When it is paying off strand, therefore, the tray issupported free of member 25 and positively rotated to permit strand topass freely to the die means.

The means 24 for lifting a tray in the loading position from member 25and tilting it so the tray is upright comprises (FIGS. 1, 2,5, 7) amember 104 pivotedly mounted on a stationary support 105, and movablefrom a generally horizontal position to an upright position by a fluidcylinder 106. This pivoted member 104 rigidly carries at its free end anupright tray-engaging portion 107 having a base portion 108 andprojecting hub 108a with a cylindrical side and a tapered end. When theend of member 104 carrying the tray portion 107 is raised, hub 108a isguided into and closely fits into hub of the tray, and base 108 supportsthe tray so it is swung to a generally upright position, preferable atthe angle shown in FIG. 10 for a receiving tray in its tilted position.Each payoff tray is slotted at 109 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The traycan be manually rotated on portion 107, or the means 26 for positivelydriving the payoff tray may be such that it halts rotation in a positionsuch that when the payoff tray is transferred by member 25 to loadingposition and tilted to its upright position slot 109 is uppermost on thetray, so a coil carried by overhead conveyor means can be readily movedlaterally into channel 88 of the tray. To facilitate this when the trayis in its upright position, it is preferably tilted from the vertical sothat its open side is tilted slightly upward to facilitate reception ofthe coil. After the tray has received the coil, tilting means 24 isactuated to lower the tray on member 25 which transfers the tray to thepayoff position when required. When both trays rest on member 25, thetilting means 24 and drive means 26 in their lower positions clearmember 25 so it can rotate; and because of the design of the open endedapertures 91, even ifeither or both trays are lifted from member 25 byeither or both such tilting means and driving means, member 25 can berotated Strand Receiving Means The strand receiving means is generallysimilar to the payoff apparatus but has significant differences,particularly with reference to design of the receiving trays and theircooperation with the capstan.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8-10, such means comprises a generallyhorizontal member 19 shown as carrying two receiving trays 4a, 412,although it could be designed to carry more. This member is mounted forrotation about axis X on a stationary supporting member 111. Member 19is adapted to be rotated to transfer each tray sequentially into thestrand receiving position at which tray 4a is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,and to the coil unloading position occupied by tray 4b in these FIGS.This is accomplished by gear 112 on member 19, and pinion gears 113driven by motors 114.

The strand receiving means includes means 21 for tilting the tray whenit is in unloading position. Means 21 includes tray engaging portion 115mounted on the offset end of member 116 that is pivotally mounted onstationary member 117 and is movable by conventionally actuated fluidcylinder 118 to lift the tray from member 19 and tilt it to an uprightposition where the open end of the tray faces upward slightly as shownin FIG. 10. Member 19 has open ended apertures 121 for this and otherpurposes. Thereafter after a coil in the tray has been removed by theoverhead conveyor, the empty tray can be lowered to place the tray onmember 19 so that it can at the appropriate time be transferred intostrand-receiving position.

Means 14 for driving the tray when it is in strand-receiving position isalso included in the strand-receiving means. Means 14 includes a drivehead 122 adapted to be located in a lower position to member 19 and tobe raised to upper positions to engage the tray 4a or 4b in thestrand-receiving position and lift it from member 19 and positivelyrotate it.

The means 14 for so supporting and driving the head 122, may bestructurally essentially identical with means 26 discussed above inconnection with the performance of similar functions for the payoff trayin the payoff position, so no further description is provided; forconvenience identical parts are numbered identically for these portionsof the apparatus.

Receiving trays 4a and 4b are identical; each comprises a base 119having a axial hub 123 with central opening 124. Base 119 rigidlycarries upstanding inner posts 125 constituting inner guard means 15,outer posts 126 and sidewall 127 that comprise outer guard means 16 andthat with the inner guard means and bottom wall 128 define annularchannel 18 in which the coil is built up from turns of strand dischargedfrom the free end of the capstan. A member 129 at the top of the outerguard means provides reinforcement and a rounded edge to prevent damageto the strand if it should contact.

Each of the inner posts 125 is of telescoping construction comprising abase tubular member 130 in which is slidably mounted a telescopingmember 131 that is biased upwardly and outwardly by a compression spring132 operating between the bottoms of members 130 and 131. Member 131 islimited in its travel by stud 133 threaded in the side of the basetubular member and extending into a slot 134 of the member 131. Eachmember 130 is tipped with an insert 135 of hard wear-resistant metal.The dimensions of posts 125 are such that the free ends of the fullyextended telescoping members 131 project slightly above the top of outerguard means 16. The annular channel 18 is dimensioned so that it willreceive the strand turns discharged from the capstan and build them intoa coil. Moreover, inner posts 125 are so positioned radially that theirupper ends will engage an end wall 136 ofthe capstan near the outerperiphery of the capstan (FIGS. 4 and 9) and the outer guard means is solocated that it will fit within the stationary guard 13 surrounding thecapstan (FIGS. 4, 9). Each receiving tray also has a slot 137 in itsouter wall and bottom so that when it is tilted to its coil unloadingposition the grasping means 22 of the overhead conveyor can enter theslot to hold the coil and remove it.

When both trays rest on member 19, the drive means 14 and tilting means21 in their lower positions clear the transfer member 19 so it canrotate; and the apertures 121 and the tilting and drive means are sodesigned and located that the tilting and drive means can raise thetrays without inferference from member 19.

Operation It is assumed that the apparatus described above is properlysetup and adjusted for the particular size of strand to be handled, asby provision of the proper die, the proper adjustment of the gripper tosuit the strand and proper size and adjustment of rolls 28 on the diemeans. Die means is in its lowermost position and gripper 9 is in itsextended position 9' as shown in broken lines in FIG. 3.

Moreover, in the strand payoff means, member is angularly located sothat payoff trays 3a, 311 on member 25 are located one with its hubabove and aligned with the drive head 98 of the drive means 26 and theother where it can be engaged by tray-engaging portion 107 of thetilting means 24. Head 98 and tray-engaging portion 107 are both intheir lowermost positions so they clear member 25 and the trays.

In the strand receiving means, member 19 is angularly located so thatone of the receiving trays 4a, 4!) carried by it is located with its hubabove and aligned with the drive head 122 of tray drive means. while theother tray is located so its hub can be engaged by tray-engaging portion115 of the tilting means 21. Head 122 and portion 115 are in theirlowermost positions so they clear member 19 and the trays.

The tilting means 24 in the payoff means is then actuated to engage thehub of the payoff tray in the coil receiving position and tilt the trayupwardly with its slot 109 in the uppermost position. The overheadconveyor 23 is actuated to bring a coil C and deposit it in the channel88 of the tilted tray, slot 109 facilitating entrance of coil gripper 22for the purpose (FIG. 11), after which the coil is released by theconveyor.

Tilting means 24 is then actuated to deposit the tray on the member 25(FIG. 12), which is then caused to rotate to transfer thecoil-containing tray 3a or 3b into the position where its hub is axiallyaligned with and above drive head 98, the other tray being moved to theposition initially occupied by the tray that received the coil. Theleading end of the strand S from the coil C in the payoff tray issuitably prepared for drawing by being pointed, and then passed throughthe straightening rolls 328 and manually or by suitable conventionalmechanical means through the die 30 of the die means 5 while it is inits lowermost position, after which it is inserted into gripper 9 whichis then actuated to grasp the strand end (FIG. 13).

Payoff tray drive means 26 is then actuated to raise the head 98 toengage the hub of the tray in the payoff position to lift it from member25. Capstan 2 is then rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and thepayoff tray in the clockwise direction, by their drive means, thedriving pin 91 of the tray engaging a hole 101 in head 98 positively todrive the tray. Initially, the rotational speeds are relatively slow,while the die means 5 is rapidly raised by cylinder 33 to traverse thecapstan and cause the strand to wind on the capstan in the predeterminednumber ofwidely spaced turns until the last turn on the strand contactsthe plow II and the strand passes from the die means to the capstan in aplane normal to the axis of rotation of the capstan. The die means isthen halted and maintained in this upper position.

As soon as the first turn of strand starts to wind on the capstan, itmoves the gripper to its innermost position shown in full and dottedlines in FIG. 3, in which it is locked by latch means 46.

As soon as the die means raises sufficiently as it winds the initialstrand turns on the capstan, drive means 14 for the receiving tray belowthe capstan is actuated to raise its drive head 122 so it engages thehub of the tray and lifts the tray with the top edge of its outer guardmeans 16 is substantially above the horizontal plane in which the freeend of the strand is gripped by the gripper and above the lowermost pathof travel of the strand at the beginning of the initial windingoperation, while the ends of the telescoping members of the inner postscontact the bottom of the capstan and are moved inwardly of the posts asthe receiving tray is lifted as shown in full lines in FIGS. 1, 4, 10and 14 and'in broken lines 15' and 16 in FIG. 9. The drive head 122 isrotated, causing the tray driving pin to engage a hole in the drive headand positively rotate the tray. At this stage both the capstan and trayare rotated at the same relatively slow angular speed.

Strand-severing means 48 is then actuated to release the strand from thegripper, and the newly formed free end of the strand and the succeedingturns then drop into the annular channel 18 of the receiving tray (FIG.15). Since the receiving tray is raised so the top edge of its outerguard means is within and substantially above the bottom edge of thestationary guard 17 and so its inner guard posts contact the capstan,there is provided a completely shielded annular zone through which thefree end and the initially discharged turns of the strand can be guidedinto and dropped into the channel 18.

Thereafter, the receiving tray is lowered until the upper edge of itsouter guard means 16 is near but above the lower portion of thestationary guard 13 and slightly below the bottom of the capstan, andthe upper ends of the inner guard posts are slightly below the bottom ofthe capstan in full lines in FIG. 16 and in broken lines 15" and 16" inFIGS. 4, 9. Thereafter, the rotational speeds of the capstan and thereceiving tray are substantially increased, the speeds being essentiallyidentical.

Strand is thus drawn from coil C in the payoff tray in payoff positionthrough the die means while it is in its uppermost position, passes tothe capstan in a straight path lying essentially in a plane normal tothe axis of rotation of the capstan, is level wound on the drum in asingle layer of turns that are advanced axially of the capstandownwardly toward its free end and drop in sequence from the capstaninto the annular channel 18 of the receiving tray to form a coil C. Theoverlapping of the outer guard means 16 and stationary guard 13, and theclose proximity of the inner guard means to the bottom of the capstanprovide a shielded annular zone that prevents entangling or catching ofthe strand as it forms the coil C. The capstan is rotated and the strandis thus drawn until all of the strand of the payoff tray has been drawn,wound onto the capstan, and discharged from the capstan to form the coilC.

Rotation of the capstan and receiving tray are halted, the holddownmeans is retracted, and the tray is lowered so the coil-containingreceiving tray rests on transfer member 19 and all portions of thereceiving tray clear the capstan and the stationary guard. Drive means14 and tilting means 21 are also retracted to clear the trays and member19. Member 19 is then rotated about its axis (FIG. 17) until thepositions of the coil containing receiving tray and the empty receivingtray are interchanged.

The empty receiving tray is then positioned to receive strand turns fromthe drum, while the coil-containing receiving tray is engaged by means21 and tilted to the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 18 with its slot 137uppermost, so that the coil gripper 22 of the overhead conveyor canenter the slot and readily engage the coil and move it laterally out ofthe upright receiving tray. Thereafter the coil can be moved by theconveyor away from the apparatus into inventory or, as is more likely,can be moved to the other end of the apparatus so it can be insertedinto the payoff tray which is tilted upwardly to its coil receivingposition.

The sequence of operations in many cases can overlap. Thus the coil canbe transferred from a tilted receiving tray to a tilted payoff traywhile or after the operations of pointing, gripping and starting up thestrand on the capstan above the strand and drawing are carried out.

Modification Embodiment In the modification shown in FIGS. 19, and 21,parts identical with those of the previous embodiment are numberedidentically, while parts differing are numbered differently. In theembodiment of these figures, one of receiving trays 4c, 4d can be liftedby drive means 14 from a transfer member 19 to an uppermost position(FIG. 19) in which it is rotated and remains while receiving and forminginto a coil strand turns discharged over the free end of the capstan;after the desired coil is formed, the tray is lowered onto member 19 andtransferred laterally to an unloading position where, as'in the previousembodiment, it can be tilted to permit ready removal of the coil.

The receiving trays 4c, 4d are identical; each comprises upstandingouter and inner guard means 141 and 142 defining between them agenerally annular channel 143 as in the preceding embodiment. Thereceiving tray needs no telescoping inner guard means, and may beidentical with or similar to the payoff trays 3a, 3b of the precedingembodiment. When the receiving tray is in its uppermost position shownin FIG. 19, the upper edge of its outer guard means engages a frictionalsurface on a ring 144 mounted externally on a generally cylindricalmovable guard member 145 that is supported for rotation by brackets 146from stationary guard member 147 fixed to the base 1 of the machine.Guard member 147 substantially surrounds the capstan and turns T carriedby it, and

is suitably apertured to clear die means 5 an hold down means 12.

Therefore, guard member 145, normally resting on brackets 146 as shownin FIG. 21, is lifted from the brackets 146 by the receiving tray asshown in FIG. 20, when the receiving tray in its uppermost positionengages guard member and guard member 145 is rotated by the tray atessentially the same speed as the tray. There is thus provided aprotected generally annular zone defined by the stationary guard member147, the rotatable guard member 145, the outer guard means 141 and innerguard means 142 of the receiving tray, and the lower portion of thecapstan 2, through which zone the free end of the strand after releasefrom gripper initially passes, and through which succeeding turns ofstrand discharge over the end of the capstan pass into channel 143 ofthe tray to form a coil C indicated in broken lines. This zone preventsentangling or snagging of the strand on the apparatus or escape of thestrand end or turns where they could cause damage to product, equipmentor personnel.

After the coil has been formed, the receiving tray 4d is lowered, asshown in broken lines 4a" to rest on the transfer member 19. Thereceiving tray can then be moved laterally into unloading position.

The operation of this modified apparatus is in general similar to thatpreviously described except that the receiving tray when in receivingposition is initially moved to its uppermost position shown in FIG. 19and maintained there during the operations of releasing the strand fromthe gripper. dropping the released end ofthe strand into the receivingtray, and dropping succeeding turns of strand into the tray to form thecoil. All other operations in general may be the same as thosepreviously described.

The invention thus makes possible high production drawing apparatuscapable of repetitively drawing strand in a limited plant space, that iscapable of drawing relatively large diameter strand because of theautomatic features of this coil-handling apparatus, and that is safe topersonnel and exceptionally free of damage to product. Although theillustrated embodiments have been described in connection with thedrawing and handling of a strand such as a tube, it is obvious that suchapparatus may be used for handling other types of strand such as rods orwire.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes andmodifications can be made in the apparatus and method described hereinby way of example, all without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. The essential characteristics of the invention are defined inthe appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. Apparatus for handling relatively stiff strand and collecting it incoil form, comprising a support; a drum mounted on said support so saiddrum is rotatable about a generally upright axis and has a lower freeend, said drum having a periphery on which turns of strand are wound andbeing adapted to discharge turns of strand over its free end; and meansfor collecting in a coil turns of said strand discharged over the freeend of said drum, comprising a strand receiving member having a bottomand outer guard means and inner guard means spaced radially inwardlyfrom said outer guard means so that said guard means and bottom define agenerally annular channel in which turns of strand discharged from saiddrum can collect in a coil, means for supporting said member in aposition below the free end of said drum in which the inner guard meansof said member is in close proximity to the free end of said drum and inwhich its outer guard means is spaced radially from the periphery of thedrum; means for positively rotating said member while so positioned at aspeed substantially identical with that of said drum about an axissubstantially coincident to the axis of rotation of said drum; and guardmeans substantially surrounding said drum independently of said guardmeans of said member, said independent guard means and said outer guardmeans of said member defining an essentially continuous wall in thevicinity of and below the free end of said drum, and with said innerguard means of said member defining a generally annular zone throughwhich strand turns discharging over the free end of said drum pass intosaid annular channel of said receiving member to form a coil.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which said means for supporting saidreceiving member is adapted to lower said member to a position belowsaid drum in which said member and said coil therein clear said drum andfrom which said member can be moved laterally to a position from whichthe coil can be removed from said member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said inner guard means of saidreceiving member comprises extensible means normally extended upwardlybut retractable downwardly relative to said member, and in which saidmeans for supporting said member is adapted to move said member upwardlyto a position in which said outer guard means of said member overlapsthe free end of said drum and said extensible means of said inner guardmeans contacts the free end of said drum.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which when said receiving member is insaid upward position said outer guard means overlaps said independentguard means.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said means for supporting saidreceiving member is adapted to move said receiving member downwardly toa position in which said inner guard means is clear of but in closeproximity to the free end of said drum and in which said outer guardmeans of said receiving member is in close proximity to said independentguard means surrounding said drum. to provide an essentially continuousouter wall within which the turns of strand discharge over the free endof said drum into said annular channel of said receiving member.

6. The apparatus ofclaim l in which said independent guard meanssurrounding said drum comprises an upper portion that is stationary anda lower portion that is rotatable and supported for rotationsubstantially about the axis of rotation of said drum, and in which theouter guard means of said receiving member is adapted to engage thelower portion of said rotatable portion of said independent guard meansto cause said rotatable portion to rotate with said receiving member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which said rotatable portion of saidindependent guard means is supported for rotation from said stationaryportion of said independent guard means.

1. Apparatus for handling relatively stiff strand and collecting it incoil form, comprising a support; a drum mounted on said support so saiddrum is rotatable about a generally upright axis and has a lower freeend, said drum having a periphery on which turns of strand are wound andbeing adapted to discharge turns of strand over its free end; and meansfor collecting in a coil turns of said strand discharged over the freeend of said drum, comprising a strand receiving member having a bottomand outer guard means and inner guard means spaced radially inwardlyfrom said outer guard means so that said guard means and bottom define agenerally annular channel in which turns of strand discharged from saiddrum can collect in a coil, means for supporting said member in aposition below the free end of said drum in which the inner guard meansof said member is in close proximity to the free end of said drum and inwhich its outer guard means is spaced radially from the periphery of thedrum; means for positively rotating said member while so positioned at aspeed substantially identical with that of said drum about an axissubstantially coincident to the axis of rotation of said drum; and guardmeans substantially surrounding said drum independently of said guardmeans of said member, said independent guard means and said outer guardmeans of said member defining an essentially continuous wall in thevicinity of and below the free end of said drum, and with said innerguard means of said member defining a generally annular zone throughwhich strand turns discharging over the free end of said drum pass intosaid annular channel of said receiving member to form a coil.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 which said means for supporting said receivingmember is adapted to lower said member to a position below said drum inwhich said member and said coil therein clear said drum and from whichsaid member can be moved laterally to a position from which the coil canbe removed from said member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which saidinner guard means of said receiving member comprises extensible meansnormally extended upwardly but retractable downwardly relative to saidmember, and in which said means for supporting said member is adapted tomove said member upwardly to a position in which said outer guard meansof said member overlaps the free end of said drum and said extensiblemeans of said inner guard means contacts the free end of said drum. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 in which when said receiving member is in saidupward position said outer guard means overlaps said independent guardmeans.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said means for supportingsaid receiving member is adapted to move said receiving memberdownwardly to a position in which said inner guard means is clear of butin close proximity to the free end of said drum and in which said outerguard means of said receiving member is in close proximity to saidindependent guard means surrounding said drum, to provide an essentiallycontinuous outer wall within which the turns of strand discharge overthe free end of said drum into said annular channel of said receivingmember.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said independent guardmeans surrounding said drum comprises an upper portion that isstationary and a lower portion that is rotatable and supported forrotation substantially about the axis of rotation of said drum, and inwhich the outer guard means of said receiving member is adapted toengage the lower portion of said rotatable portion of said independentguard means to cause said rotatable portion to rotate with saidreceiving member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which said rotatableportion of said independent guard means is supported for rotation fromsaid stationary portion of said independent guard means.